Elementary professional school counselors; allocate funds under Mississippi Adequate Education Program for.
Impact
The bill specifically targets school districts with the highest documented need for counselors, ensuring that funding is directed where it is most critical. The allocation process accounts for various local factors, such as crime incidents and low-income school lunch participation, which contribute to the assessed needs for additional counseling support in those districts. By requiring a counselor:student ratio of 1:500 or greater, the bill sets a standard aimed at improving the quality of support provided to students in early education settings.
Summary
House Bill 1398 aims to amend Section 37-9-79 of the Mississippi Code to secure funding for employing elementary professional school counselors across school districts. The bill mandates that beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, each school district must allocate sufficient funds to employ at least one counselor per elementary school, with additional counselors provided in subsequent fiscal years until the goal is met. This measure acknowledges the increasing mental health and academic support needs of students in elementary education, recognizing counselors as essential personnel in addressing these needs.
Contention
There may be points of contention regarding the implementation of these requirements, particularly concerning budget allocations for existing resources versus the increased funding needed for counselors. Discussions may arise on whether the funding set aside for hiring counselors detracts from other educational needs or programs within school districts. Additionally, there could be debates regarding the adequacy of employing only one counselor per school and the long-term sustainability of these provisions given the state's educational budget constraints.